Commuting check list

[Owlie]

Seat-post rack for Gunner? Check
trunk bag? Check
Powerful helmet light so "I" can see? Check
Handlbar light so others can see me? Check
Two rear lights? Check

Have I forgotten anything? Obviously I also have my tire-changing gear in my Camelbak where it always is

Now all I have to do is to get some consistent riding in and try my route out EARLY on a Saturday morning. Ride downtown for breakfast and then home again. I think my neck is about ready - I just want to get in a couple more 90 minute rides and give it a chance to get stronger before I try this....

Somewhere to put the bike?

[WindingRoad]

Baby wipes.

[spokewench]

Lock for when you get there. and, of course, I'm guessing you have a list of things for clothing once you do get to your commute location.

[murielalex]

Catrin, I just did the same check list, and I'm all set minus the Gunnar. Since I'm still in anticipation mode for mine, just curious how you're liking yours.

[tzvia]

I always take a mini first aid kit (well maybe not so mini) that I make up myself around one of those mini J&J kits I get from the .99c store. I throw in some asprin/iubprophen, a few large band-aids, a tiny container of hibaclens and a roll of gauze and put it all in a small zip-lock (because the gauze roll doesn't fit in the little plastic box). I made up several of these and keep one in my Camelback for the MTB, and the other in my commuting seatpack.

[Catrin]

Catrin, I just did the same check list, and I'm all set minus the Gunnar. Since I'm still in anticipation mode for mine, just curious how you're liking yours.

I love my Gunnar, but it isn't a Sport. Mine is a full custom so it really isn't any of their usual designs. I had significant fit requirements, and a desire for 26 inch wheels - so the frame looks remarkably like an aggressive rigid mountain bike frame - or so I've been told. It wasn't planned that way, but that is how it turned out

I LOVE my Gunnar - rides like a dream and it only weighs 22 pounds. I do not regret going this route at all! Indeed, I think that bike is the only reason I am currently able to ride through my neck injury recovery because it does fit me so well.

[Thorn]

A couple of thoughts....try to park the bike in your office just for piece of mind during the work day. If you can't, consider something like PitLocks (
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/pitlock.asp ) for the wheels, seat and stem (keeps the front wheel from being removed). Then a mini u-lock from the frame to the rack is probably all you need. The mini locks are harder to pry open, although they can still be cut.

Note: I have a custom Waterford commuter (my commute is about 25-30 miles round trip and I am a year-round commuter). I have the luxury of secure bicycle parking, but I run with the pitlocks and use a mini-u when I stop for groceries.

I don't carry any more than you, but I do carry 2 tubes plus a patch kit. While my RiBiMo tires have been solid, I believe some of the cities I traverse through believe that crushed glass is an appropriate paving material. With 2 tubes I feel more secure.

Good luck on the commute. May you reach the point where driving a car to work just "feels wrong".

[Melalvai]

Don't forget the bicycle.

[Catrin]

Don't forget the bicycle.

Indeed

I am going to tour the Bike Hub across the street and decide what to do about storage. But if I do that I will have to place my fitness club membership on hold for the summer, I can't have two memberships...so we will see. Depending on how hot it is this summer I may REALLY need that shower before work.